VERY RUDE COOK/OWNER. STAY AWAY!!! Food is average but service is terrible. We saw him curse at customers and refuse to serve them for no reason. He is also very rude to his staff which are very scared at all times. Everybody should boycott this place so he learns that his business cannot exist without customers!
Joana T
The owner was the most rude person I have ever met, yelling “f***ing customer” to a person who requested a little bit more soy sauce. The waitresses were apologetics for his mad behavior and they even looked afraid of the bully he is. Food not worth the hassle, average at best.
Sunil Bhangu
I’ve read all….. and I mean all the 1 star reviews and I don’t totally disagree with them but I do think they’re misguided. Being here felt like I was in Japan In every way. THIS IS THE MENU! THIS IS WHAT YOU GET! But what you get is…. Enthusiastic staff, amazing fish and just the best sake. I think it all depends on how you enter/order here. It definitely is worth it. Also the specials I had were fantastic and everyone was perfect (including the chef).
James Patch
A lovely authentic gem of a place, not deserving of so many 1 star reviews. Hence writing this. I actually wanted to go and check it out for myself because it was either 1 or 5 stars, and seemed it was only really the service causing the negative...The quality of the food is right up there!Is it expensive? Yes, but this is the centre of London so not sure what people expect, plus it is small so when busy I am sure they will want to turn tables, however we did not feel rushed at all.There is a minimum spend but it does state this at the bottom of the menu and they checked this is ok.Service...Extremely polite and thoughtful. The team were really helpful, you may need to be a bit patient with language barriers but this is genuine and endearing. I could not fault the service and all other stafff also acknowledged us coming and going.The atmosphere was calm in the hubbub of London which I appreciated greatly, and felt a lot like many of the little spots you can find in Japan.Worth checking out!
Charis C
I honestly wanted to like this place but found it very difficult due to a range of problematic issues.First, they told me they ran out of salmon sashimi - strange for a Saturday 7pm restaurant booking, but OK.Second, I was informed that I would need to order enough to meet the £30 minimum food bill (apparently the amount I had selected was only £29.5). I told the waitress that was fine and that I would order more, but I wanted to have my food first and then pick later on. She said the first order needed to reach £30 and that the chef wouldn't start making any of my food until I reached that threshold. I told the waitress this should be stated on the menu and it wasn't.Third, I ordered a small glass of hot sake, and was given cold sake instead. When I told the waitress that I had ordered hot sake, I was informed it need to be carafe size if I wanted it hot (not a small glass). Again, not mentioned on the drink list (which said, in two different places, that sake was available hot or cold with no reference to minimum order size).Food portions were small but it was the above service and illogical obssession with absorbing every possible cost from the customer that made the meal such a terrible experience.Definitely would not recommend this place.
Eric Zhong
The food is average, all dishes are of the same sour and salty taste. The price is very steep when you take into account the portion, perhaps even more expensive than some higher end omakase considering the average cost, and the containers are the smallest I've seen.The service was ok, the waitress told us the table was available till 8:30 after we sat down at 7:30 with a booking. We of course ignored this and nothing happened at 8:30, she surely lied to ask us to hurry up.At this price point (100pp) there are countless better japanese cuisine, I personally wouldnt mind paying double the amount for a better experience elsewhere. We did not talk to the owner, but I dont see the reason for the owner to be arrogant or proud as seen in other comments.
Aimee T
We were 14 minutes late (which we had informed them beforehand via email, as there is no phone number available). Apparently the limit is a 15 minutes hold, and there were lots of available tables. However, chef/ owner did not even bother speaking to us and instructed his poor waitress to reject us. She asked for his permission to let the 2 of us take a seat 3 times, so clearly there were tables. She was very sweet and apologetic, but the rude chef was so arrogant and rude - clearly took one look at us and did not like what he saw. It was a particularly hot evening, so it was probably no bad thing to be squashed in a small slightly dirty looking restaurant anyway. We ended up having a great supper at Ducksoup - that is worth a visit!
Martine d
We left this restaurant feeling that we had just been mugged. The chef is a temperamental nightmare. Rude beyond words. The poor waiting staff are extremely anxious. The portions are microscopic. While the sushi is beautiful, the rest is really second rate. Beef tataki was almost frozen. The food came out in the wrong order...edamame came out last. And the prices are inexcusable....really shocking...and we don't mind spending money to dine out. We came here before Covid and were charmed (though the chef was grumpy even back then) but this is now definitely a place to avoid. Vote with your feet. This gentleman might learn that customers are part of what makes his business exist - or not.
C E T
Food was average, selection limited and staff treated us like we were an inconvenience. Restaurant is tired, hot and uncomfortable. Avoid.
David Goldstein
This is one of the most charming and authentic sushi bars in London. Delicious food, great vibe and amazing service. Reminds me of something out of a Murakami novel. If you are looking for california roll, truffled topped non-sense go elsewhere. This is a low-fi experience for those appreciate something off the beaten path. Easily the best sushi spot in soho!
Nice food, if a bit expensive. There is a minimum spend of £30pp but don't expect to spend less than £60pp if you are hungry.Service is terrible, entitled, uninterested, with food dumped kn the table. Very little atmosphere leaving you feeling like an inconvenience than a customer.
Ana Marija Zuzul
Best Japanese food i’ve ever tasted. Every bite, every taste was outstanding. This place is just out of this world! The level of dedication of the chef is manifested in every bite. I’m so happy this place exists! Left the restaurant with a smile on my face
Nitang Simma-Jones
Im surprised I haven’t left a review yet, however, Jugemu is by far my favorite Japanese restaurants I’ve been to. From atmosphere to food - outstanding. I think it’s rather silly when I read the comments about Chef and service because we are guests in their restaurant. Our bill tends to be a bit pricey because of the sake, however, totally fine with the cost of all dishes. It’s soho. We will be at Jugemu tomorrow evening and excited to see the menu.
manne ohrstrom
Amazing high end izakaya and sushi place. Some of the best sashimi I have had in London. Small place, great vibe, definitely helps if you bring someone Japanese speaking. Food made to perfection. Like being somewhere in kansai.
Leslie P
Good quality sushi ? at a reasonable price is hard to find in London, Jugemu manages to provide just that. Mostly Asian visitors, and unlike many so-called Japanese restaurants in London, this one is actually run by a Japanese chef and staff. I should know, I speak Japanese, so I know when the people running the restaurants are either Korean or Chinese. The only downside with this restaurant is that they don't maintain their website and you never know when they are open. The owner/chef is also very temperamental. However, the food is authentic as it gets in London without the posh interiors or the pretentiousness of the high-end Japanese restaurants in London. I know the food is authentic because I lived in Japanese.
VERY RUDE COOK/OWNER. STAY AWAY!!! Food is average but service is terrible. We saw him curse at customers and refuse to serve them for no reason. He is also very rude to his staff which are very scared at all times. Everybody should boycott this place so he learns that his business cannot exist without customers!
The owner was the most rude person I have ever met, yelling “f***ing customer” to a person who requested a little bit more soy sauce. The waitresses were apologetics for his mad behavior and they even looked afraid of the bully he is. Food not worth the hassle, average at best.
I’ve read all….. and I mean all the 1 star reviews and I don’t totally disagree with them but I do think they’re misguided. Being here felt like I was in Japan In every way. THIS IS THE MENU! THIS IS WHAT YOU GET! But what you get is…. Enthusiastic staff, amazing fish and just the best sake. I think it all depends on how you enter/order here. It definitely is worth it. Also the specials I had were fantastic and everyone was perfect (including the chef).
A lovely authentic gem of a place, not deserving of so many 1 star reviews. Hence writing this. I actually wanted to go and check it out for myself because it was either 1 or 5 stars, and seemed it was only really the service causing the negative...The quality of the food is right up there!Is it expensive? Yes, but this is the centre of London so not sure what people expect, plus it is small so when busy I am sure they will want to turn tables, however we did not feel rushed at all.There is a minimum spend but it does state this at the bottom of the menu and they checked this is ok.Service...Extremely polite and thoughtful. The team were really helpful, you may need to be a bit patient with language barriers but this is genuine and endearing. I could not fault the service and all other stafff also acknowledged us coming and going.The atmosphere was calm in the hubbub of London which I appreciated greatly, and felt a lot like many of the little spots you can find in Japan.Worth checking out!
I honestly wanted to like this place but found it very difficult due to a range of problematic issues.First, they told me they ran out of salmon sashimi - strange for a Saturday 7pm restaurant booking, but OK.Second, I was informed that I would need to order enough to meet the £30 minimum food bill (apparently the amount I had selected was only £29.5). I told the waitress that was fine and that I would order more, but I wanted to have my food first and then pick later on. She said the first order needed to reach £30 and that the chef wouldn't start making any of my food until I reached that threshold. I told the waitress this should be stated on the menu and it wasn't.Third, I ordered a small glass of hot sake, and was given cold sake instead. When I told the waitress that I had ordered hot sake, I was informed it need to be carafe size if I wanted it hot (not a small glass). Again, not mentioned on the drink list (which said, in two different places, that sake was available hot or cold with no reference to minimum order size).Food portions were small but it was the above service and illogical obssession with absorbing every possible cost from the customer that made the meal such a terrible experience.Definitely would not recommend this place.
The food is average, all dishes are of the same sour and salty taste. The price is very steep when you take into account the portion, perhaps even more expensive than some higher end omakase considering the average cost, and the containers are the smallest I've seen.The service was ok, the waitress told us the table was available till 8:30 after we sat down at 7:30 with a booking. We of course ignored this and nothing happened at 8:30, she surely lied to ask us to hurry up.At this price point (100pp) there are countless better japanese cuisine, I personally wouldnt mind paying double the amount for a better experience elsewhere. We did not talk to the owner, but I dont see the reason for the owner to be arrogant or proud as seen in other comments.
We were 14 minutes late (which we had informed them beforehand via email, as there is no phone number available). Apparently the limit is a 15 minutes hold, and there were lots of available tables. However, chef/ owner did not even bother speaking to us and instructed his poor waitress to reject us. She asked for his permission to let the 2 of us take a seat 3 times, so clearly there were tables. She was very sweet and apologetic, but the rude chef was so arrogant and rude - clearly took one look at us and did not like what he saw. It was a particularly hot evening, so it was probably no bad thing to be squashed in a small slightly dirty looking restaurant anyway. We ended up having a great supper at Ducksoup - that is worth a visit!
We left this restaurant feeling that we had just been mugged. The chef is a temperamental nightmare. Rude beyond words. The poor waiting staff are extremely anxious. The portions are microscopic. While the sushi is beautiful, the rest is really second rate. Beef tataki was almost frozen. The food came out in the wrong order...edamame came out last. And the prices are inexcusable....really shocking...and we don't mind spending money to dine out. We came here before Covid and were charmed (though the chef was grumpy even back then) but this is now definitely a place to avoid. Vote with your feet. This gentleman might learn that customers are part of what makes his business exist - or not.
Food was average, selection limited and staff treated us like we were an inconvenience. Restaurant is tired, hot and uncomfortable. Avoid.
This is one of the most charming and authentic sushi bars in London. Delicious food, great vibe and amazing service. Reminds me of something out of a Murakami novel. If you are looking for california roll, truffled topped non-sense go elsewhere. This is a low-fi experience for those appreciate something off the beaten path. Easily the best sushi spot in soho!
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice food, if a bit expensive. There is a minimum spend of £30pp but don't expect to spend less than £60pp if you are hungry.Service is terrible, entitled, uninterested, with food dumped kn the table. Very little atmosphere leaving you feeling like an inconvenience than a customer.
Best Japanese food i’ve ever tasted. Every bite, every taste was outstanding. This place is just out of this world! The level of dedication of the chef is manifested in every bite. I’m so happy this place exists! Left the restaurant with a smile on my face
Im surprised I haven’t left a review yet, however, Jugemu is by far my favorite Japanese restaurants I’ve been to. From atmosphere to food - outstanding. I think it’s rather silly when I read the comments about Chef and service because we are guests in their restaurant. Our bill tends to be a bit pricey because of the sake, however, totally fine with the cost of all dishes. It’s soho. We will be at Jugemu tomorrow evening and excited to see the menu.
Amazing high end izakaya and sushi place. Some of the best sashimi I have had in London. Small place, great vibe, definitely helps if you bring someone Japanese speaking. Food made to perfection. Like being somewhere in kansai.
Good quality sushi ? at a reasonable price is hard to find in London, Jugemu manages to provide just that. Mostly Asian visitors, and unlike many so-called Japanese restaurants in London, this one is actually run by a Japanese chef and staff. I should know, I speak Japanese, so I know when the people running the restaurants are either Korean or Chinese. The only downside with this restaurant is that they don't maintain their website and you never know when they are open. The owner/chef is also very temperamental. However, the food is authentic as it gets in London without the posh interiors or the pretentiousness of the high-end Japanese restaurants in London. I know the food is authentic because I lived in Japanese.